Idaho Fish and Game Honor Guard
debuted during May’s Idaho
Peace Officer Memorial Day.
Idaho Fish and Game Law Enforcement
Idaho Fish and Game's 104 conservation officers are dedicated to protecting our fish and wildlife resources for generations to come. Our conservation officers are aware that the future of Idaho's fish and wildlife resources rests in the future of our children. Without an appreciation for wild places and wild things, support for fish and wildlife will decrease. Across the country hunter and angler numbers are trending downward. The North American Wildlife Model teaches us that our rich wildlife resources are a result of the passions, activities and support that is generated from hunters and anglers. Idaho has a rich heritage of hunting and angling, and we enjoy an abundant fish and wildlife resource.
From the Chief —
Enforcement Chief Jon Heggen
What an exciting time of year to be outdoors. Whether I am out helping our conservation officers at a check station, riding my mountain bike, hiking in the hills, and mostly, hunting, I can't get enough of the cool air, the musk of fall, or the colors that explode around me.
I can't wait for my late mule deer hunt in the backcountry this fall. I and my hunting partner have been heading back there for about eight years. His dad took him back there for 18 years. This year I get the opportunity to be with him when we take his son Jake on his first big game hunt. Jacob has been coming with us since he was eight. He has helped pack out my deer in the past, and I can't wait to help pack his first mule deer off the hill. Jake already has developed those needed outdoor skills to move quietly and be observant. He knows his way in the mountains. I am pretty confident we will have a great time. And Jake's grandpa will be joining us again, making this a three generation hunt. It just can't get any better than that.
I just returned from the field after spending two days assisting our fisheries staff surveying trout on the South Fork Boise River. Only we would voluntarily jump into chest high flowing water in the fall with a dip net while another person inserted an electrical probe next to you that was hooked up to a generator being floated down the river in a canoe. And we called it fun! It was also hard work, but well worth the effort to monitor the trout and whitefish population on this extremely popular and productive fishery.
I was impressed with the extreme interest other anglers had with our activity and want to thank them for caring so much for the resource. It would not be so much fun getting cold, wet, and occasionally shocked for a fish or angling opportunity if no one else cared as much as we do.
And speaking of caring, the job of a conservation officer could not be accomplished or be as successful if not for the ethical hunters who are out there and care about their wildlife resource. Last Friday night, I helped conduct an investigation of a six point bull elk killed on a cow tag. The investigation revealed that two other elk had been killed illegally earlier, for a total of three illegal elk. This case would not have been as successful if not for a concerned sportsman "Making the Call."
If you observe a violation of our fish and game laws, you too can "Make the Call" at 1-800-632-5999. The Citizens Against Poaching hotline is operated locally 24/7/365.
Enjoy your fall.
And remember, anytime you see someone stealing your wildlife, or fish, you can help us protect our resources when you “Make the Call” to Citizens Against at 1-800-632-5999.
Enforcement Bureau: (208) 334-3736
Bureau Chief: Jon Heggen
Assistant Bureau Chief: Chris Wright
Assistant Chief - Operations: Greg Wooten
